JAPAKESE  PEES 


By 

F.  H.  Burnette 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
AT    LOS  ANGELES 


Bulletin  No.  99. 


December  1907. 


Agricultural  Experiment  Station 


OF  THE 


Louisiana  State  University 
and  A.  &  M.  College, 


BATON  ROUGE. 

DIVISION  OF  SUBTROPICAL  HORTICULTURE 


BERKELEY,  CALIFORNIA 

Japanese  Persimmons 


F.  H.  BURNETTE 


BATON  ROUGE:  . 

THB  DAILY  STATB,  OFFICIAL  JOURNAL  OF  LOUISIANA. 
1907. 


DIVISION  OF  SUBlflOPICAL  HOKTICUlTURt 

GE  OF  ACWCUITURE 
BERKELEY,  CALIfOWHA 


LOUISIANA   5TATE   UNIVERSITY 
and   A.   and  M.  College. 


LOUISIANA    STATE    BOARD    OF    AGRICULTURE    AND    IMMIGRATION, 


EX-OPFIOIO: 

GOVERNOK  NEWTON  C.  BLANCH ARD,  President. 

H.  L.  FDQUA,  Vice  Preitidtnt  Hoard  of  Supervisor!. 

CHARLES  SCHULER.  Commissioner  of  Agriculture  and  Immigration. 

THOMAS  D.  BOYD,  President  State  University. 

W.  R.  DODSON,  Director  Experiment  Stations. 

MEMBERS: 

JOHN  DYMOND,  Belair,  La.  LUCIEN  SONIAT,  Camp  Parapet,  La. 

J.  SHAW  JONES,  Monroe,  La.  C.  A.  TIEBOUT,  Roseland,  La. 

FRED  SKIP,  Alexandria,  La.  C.  A.  CELESTIN,  Houma.  La. 

H.  C.  STRINGFELLOW,  Howard,  La. 

STATION  STAFF: 

W.  It.  DODSON,  A.B.,  B.S.,  Director,  Baton  Rouge. 

R  E.  BLODIN,  M.S.,  Assistant  Director,  Audubon  Park,  New  Orleang. 

J.  O.  LEE,  B.S.,  Assistant  Director,  Calhoun. 

J.  B.  GARRETT,  B.S.,  Acting  Assistant  Director,  Calhonn. 

S.  E.  McCLENDON,  B  S.,  Assistant  Director,  rfaton  Kouge. 

FRITZ  ZERBAN,  Ph.D.,  Chemist,  Audubon  Park,  New  Orleans. 

H.  P.  AGEE,  B.S.,  Chemist  and  Sugar  Maker,  Audubon  Park,  New  Orleans. 

J.  A.  HALL,  Jr.,  B.S.,  Chemist,  Aud  bon  Park,  New  Orleans. 

J.  K.  McHUGH,  Secretary  and  Stenographer,  Audubon  Park,  New  Orleans. 

O.  D.  HARRIS,  M.S.,  M.A  ,  Geologist,  Baton  Rouge. 

F.  L.  WHITNEY,  Assistant  Geologist,  Baton  Rouge. 

J.  E.  HALLIGAN,  B.S.,  Chemist,  Baton  Rouge. 

"W.  G.  TAGGART,  B.S.,  Assistant  Chemist,  Baton  Rouge. 

H.  L.  GREEN,  B.S.,  Assistant  Chemist,  Baton  Rouge. 

A.  P.  KERR,  B.S.,  Assistant  Chemist,  Baton  Rouge. 

J.  C.  SUMMERS,  B.S.,  Assistant  Chemist,  Baton  Rouge. 

R.  BAUS,  B.S.,  Assistant  Chemist,  Baton  Rougre. 

ROGER  P.  SWIRE,  Treasurer,  Baton  Rouge. 

L.  O.  REID,  Farm  Manager,  Baton  Rouge. 

WILMON  NEWELL,  M.S.,  Entomologist,  Baton  Kouge. 

F.  H.  BURNETTE.  Horticulturist,  Baton  Rouge. 

W.  H.  DALRYMPLE,  M.R  C.V.S.,  Veterinarian,  Baton  Rouge. 

H.  J.  MILKS,  D.V.M.,  Assistant  Veterinarian  and  Bacteriologist,  Baton  Rouge. 

H.  R.  FULTON,  M.S.,  Plant  Pathologist,  Baton  Rouge. 

J.  T.  TANNER,  Secretary  and  Stenographer,  Baton  Rouge. 

IVY  WATSON,  Farm  Manager,  Calhoun. 

J.  O.  LEE,  Jr.,  B.S.,  Charge  of  Feeding  Experiments,  Calhoun. 

THH  BOLLBTINS  AND  REPORTS  will  be  sent  free  of  charge  to  all  farmers   on 
application  to  the  Director  of  the  Stations,  Baton  Rouge,  La. 


DIVISION  OF  SUBTROPICAL  HORTICUITURI 

COLLEGE  OF  AGRICULTURI  5 

BERKELEY,  CALIFORNIA 

Japanese  Persimmons. 

F.  H.  Burnette. 

For  a  number  of  years  Japanese  persimmons  have  been 
grown  throughout  the  Southern  States.  For  eighteen  years  a 
number  of  varieties  have  been  grown  at  the  State  Experiment 
Station.  Nearly  all  of  the  varieties  grown  have  fruited,  and 
although  there  is  great  'confusion  concerning  their  names,  enough 
has  been  learned  concerning  some  of  the  well-established 
varieties,  to  publish  this  brief  statement  of  their  growth  and 
productiveness. 

The  Japanese  persimmons  were  introduced  into  this  country 
by  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture,  largely 
through  the  efforts  of  Prof.  H.  E.  Van  Deman,  while  he  was 
in  charge  of  the  pomological  work  of  that  department.  They 
were  grown  in  various  sections,  but  it  was  soon  found  that  they 
would  not  thrive  well  very  far  north  of  the  36th  degree  of  lati- 
tude, hence  they  have  been  grown  to  some  extent,  more  as  a 
curiosity  or  novelty  than  as  a  commercial  product.  A  zero  tem- 
perature is  very  injurious  to  them — in  many  cases  fatal. 

In  Louisiana  they  have  been  grown  for  a  number  of  years, 
but  not  as  an  orchard  fruit.  The  great  abundance  of  the  native 
persimmons  whi'eh  can  be  obtained  so  easily,  and  the  natural 
taste  which  prevails  for  the  native  product  also — have  tended 
to  prevent  any  widespread  interest  in  the  culture  of  the  Japanese 
persimmon.  In  Japan,  as  a  fruit,  they  have  the  same  standing 
that  apples  possess  in  the  Northern  United  States,  hence  are  of 
great  economic  importance.  They  are  grown  in  great  abundance, 
and  are  put  to  many  and  varied  uses.  The  Japanese  methods 
of  treatment  to  correct  the  astringent  qualities  of  the  unripe 
fruit  are  not  fully  understood  in  America,  but  investigations 
now  in  progress  will  determine  the  steps  that  are  necessary  to 
accomplish  this  object,  and  one  of  the  greatest  drawbacks  to 
the  growing  of  the  fruit  will  thus  be  eliminated. 

ROP»CAL  HORTICULTURE 
COLLEGE  OF  AGRICULTURE 
BERKELEY,  CALIFORNIA 


Being  so  very  prolific,  easily  grown,  and  having  such  ex- 
cellent qualities  ior  transportation,  there  should  be  nothing  to 
hinder  the  extension  of  their  culture,  for  the  Northern  markets 
as  well  as  for' local  consumption. 

It  is  confidently  believed,  that  easy  and  successful  treat- 
ment will  be  brought  out,  that  will  correct  the  astringency  of 
the  fruit  before  softening,  and  thus  present  a  fruit  that  is 
healthy  and  luscious  and  capable  of  being  put  to  a  large  number 
of  uses. 

CONSIDERED  BOTANICALLY. 

There  are  a  large  number  of  species  in  the  genus  to  which 
the  persimmon  belongs,  but  only  two  are  mentioned  as  of  any 
economic  importance,  native  to  America,  and  two  likewise  native 
of  the  Orient.  These  are : 

Diospyros  Virginiana — The  native  wild  persimmon  of  the 
Southern  States. 

Diospyros  Texana — Wild  persimmon  of  Texas. 

Diospyros  kaki — Japanese  persimmon. 

Diospyros  Lotus — Chinese  persimmon. 

Everyone  in  Louisiana  is  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
native  persimmon,  and  as  this  bulletin  has  to  deal  with  the 
foreign  species,  nothing  especially  will  be  said  concerning  the 
native,  unless  it  is  to  mention  that  they  are  very  much  neglected, 
and  unfortunately  so,  as  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  they  are 
capable  of  being  greatly  improved  by  selection,  cultivation  and 
crossing.  A  fruit  that  varies  naturally  so  much  in  size  and  qual- 
ity, some  day  will  be  taken  more  vigorously  in  hand  and  numer- 
ous valuable  varieties  secured  and  perpetuated.  There  are  at 
present  about  twenty  varieties  of  our  native  persimmons  culti- 
vated locally  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States. 

The  two  foreign  species  mentioned  have  been  growing  at  the 
Louisiana  Station  for  several  years,  the  kaki  so  far  being  the  one 
of  value. 

Specimens  of  Diospyros  Lotus  ( 1}  were  sent  to  the  Station 
by  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture  in  1897.  Only 
one  tree  proved  to  be  pistillate.  These  trees  were  grown  from 
seeds  obtained  by  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture 
at  Niu  Chuang,  China. 

It  fills  the  description  given  for  Diospyros  Lotus,  differing 


slightly  in  growth,  as.  the  trees  at  the  Station  are  fairly  vigorous 
and  upright  growers.  It  is  therefore  mentioned  here  as  belong- 
ing to  Diospyros  Lotus.  It  i's  said  to  be  hardier  than  kaki3  and 
used  as  a  stock  for  it  in  Japan.  The  fruit  is  very  small  (see  cut 
No.  1),  quite  black,  and  of  no  value.  It  has  not  been  used  as 
stock  at  the  Station. 

Ordinarily,  the  Japanese  .persimmon  does  not  grow  to  be  a 
'  large  tree.  Occasionally,  however,  a  good  sized  tree  may  be  seen. 

iieing  such  abundant  bearers,  the  drain  upon  the  tree  serves 
to  curtail  the  growth,  and  some  of  the  varieties  are  little  better 
than  dwarfs.  The  complaints  of  short  life  of  the  trees,  and  the 
tendency  to  become  dwarf  like  are  no  doubt  due  to  over-product- 
iveness. 

The  leaves  of  the  kaki  vary  much  in  size  and  are  much 
larger  and  heavier  than  those  of  our  native  species.  The  foliage 
is  generally  a  dark  myrtle  green,  and  gives  the  tree  value  as  an 
ornamental.  The  varieties  differ  as  to  their  ability  to  throw  off 
leaf  diseases,  some  of  them  being  very  resistant.  The  flowers 
appear  on  the  new  growth  and  are  very  numerous,  usually  in 
^ency,  flavor  and  texture.  Some  are  flat,  others  long,  others^ 
usually  they  tend  to  bear  not  only  to  the  limit  of  the  strength 
of  the  tree,  but  very  often  overtaxing  the  tree. 

The  fruit  varies  in  size,  color,  earliness  of  maturity,  astring- 
<  rev.  uavor  and  texture.  Some  are  flat,  others  long,  others 
round.  Some  are  yellow  fleshed,  others  orange,  others  tending 
to  dark  red  with  brown  streaks.  Some  are  edible  when  yet  green, 
others  are  slightly  astringent,  others  very  astringent.  Some 
ripen  early  in  September,  while  others  will  hang  on  the  tree 
almost  to  January.  No  fruit  is  more  variable  in  all  of  these 
points,  and  up  to  the  present  there  has  been  no  classification 
of  the  fruit  that  is  perfectly  satisfactory. 

METHODS  OF  PROPAGATION. 

The  universal  practice  in  the  propagation  of  Japanese  per- 
simmons now,  is  to  use  seedlings  of  our  native  species  for  stock. 
At  first  they  were  grown  on  their  own  roots,  but  the  abundance 
of  native,  hardy  stock  was  taken  advantage  of,  and  is  now  used. 
It  is  said  that  in  Japan,  the  Chinese  persimmon  is  often  used, 
being  hardier  than  the  Japanese.  The  Japanese  persimmons 


6 

work  readily  upon  our  native  stock,  and  as  the  latter  is  so  abun- 
dant, hardy  and  rapid  in  growth,  it  leaves  little  to  be  desired 
as  a  stock. 

The  common  method  of  propagation  is  to  v  hip  graft  upon 
the  whole  root,  about  two  inches  below  the  surface  of  the  ground. 
This  is  practically  the  only  method  used  on  a  large  commercial 
scale  in  persimmon  nurseries.  *fhis  is  done  very  early  in  the 
season  before  growth  starts,  usually  in  January,  sometimes 
later.  Some  growers  do  not  wax  the  graft,  only  using  common 
twine  to  tie,  in  order  to  hold  the  parts  in  close  contact,  and 
adjustment,  the  twine  decaying  by  the  time  that  a  union  is 
established.  In  fact,  any  method  of  underground  grafting  may 
be  used  with  success. 

The  persimmons  do  not  take  very  kindly  to  methods  of  bud- 
ding. It  is  true  that  some  propagators  bud  and  are  quite  suc- 
cessful with  them,  but  it  requires  every  care  and  attention,  with 
mank  risks  to  run  and  dangers  to  overcome.  Ring  budding,  per- 
formed late  in  summer — usually  about  August — is  the  method 
employed.  It  may  be  said  also  that  this  method  in  early  spring 
Las  been  tried  by  some  growers.  There  is  no  doubt,  however,  but 
that  root  grafting  is  the  most  desirable  from  many  standpoints, 
chief  among  them  being  the  fact  that  if  anything  happens  to  the 
young  tree  through  accident  or  otherwise,  the  variety  is  usually 
saved  by  a  sprout  coming  from  the  base  of  the  young  tree  above 
the  point  of  union. 

If  anything  happens  to  a  young  budded  tree,  the  chances 
are  that  the  value  of  the  tree  is  lost  by  the  losing  of  the  bud 
An  accident  is  very  apt  to  happen  with  unreliable  labor  or  from 
farm  animals.  Seeds  of  the  native  persimmon  are  obtained  and 
sown  in  nursery  rows.  The  seedlings  are  worked  generally  the 
second  year,  or  if  large  enough,  one  year  from  seed.  This  de- 
pends entirely  upon  the  size  of  the  seedling.  The  aim  is  to 
secure  a  vigorous  seedling,  work  it,  and  one  year  from  the  time 
of  root  grafting,  have  a  young  tree  suitable  to  move  from  the 
nursery  row  to  the  place  of  permanent  growth. 

CARE. 

Plenty  of  room  should  always  be  given,  usually  twenty  or 
twenty-five  feet  apart. 


There  are  a  few  points  in  the  care  of  the  Japanese  persim- 
mon tree  that  need  emphasizing.  They  should  be  set  young,  and 
great  care  should  be  exercised  that  the  setting  be  given  the 
closest  attention.  Being  a  pronounced  tap-rooted  plant,  the 
necessity  of  great  'care  in  setting  is  apparent.  The  roots  should 
never  be  allowed  to  become  exposed  to  the  air  and  sun,  and 
in  setting,  the  mellow  moist  earth  should  be  well  firmed  around 
them.  Too  much  emphasis  cannot  be  placed  upon  the  need  of 
setting  young  trees,  and  not  resetting  them,  unless  the  necessity 
for  doing  so  is  beyond  adjusting.  Occasionally  inquiries  come 
to  the  Station  concerning  the  transplanting  of  persimmon  trees 
after  several  years'  growth.  While  this  may  be  done,  it  is  cer- 
tainly accomplished  only  by  the  greatest  risk  to  the  tree. 

Good  clean  'culture  is  all  that  is  required,  the  same  that  is 
given  in  any  well-cared  for  fruit  orchard.  In  our  heavy  lands, 
or  on  soils  similar  in  character  to  the  soils  of  the  bluff  lands  of 
Louisiana,  sodding  over  should  never  be  allowed,  if  good  crops 
are  desired.  Any  good  complete  manure  may  be  used.  A  good 
crop  of  cow  peas  turned  under  every  two  or  three  years  will  be 
highly  beneficial.  No  experiments  have  been  undertaken  to  find 
out  the  exact  fertilizer  requirements,  but  it  is  believed  a  well- 
balancd  fertilizer,  suitable  for  orchard  purposes,  should  be  the 
one  used.  The  Station  orchard  has  received  no  'commercial 
fertilizers,  the  only  treatment  has  been  the  turning  under  of 
occasional  crops  of  cow  peas,  and  a  light  coating  of  autumn 
loaves  removed  from  the  University  campus.  No  other  dressings 
have  been  used. 

During  the  first  three  years  the  growth  of  the  tree  should 
be  watched,  in  order  to  build  a  symmetrical,  upright  tree. 

This  is  not  easy,  for  some  of  the  varieties  spread  too  much, 
find  the  leading  upright  branches  are  often  overloaded  and  be- 
come broken  easily,  or  are  headed  back  by  careless  removal  of 
fruit.  Ordinarily,  after  they  begin  to  bear,  there  is  little  need 
of  pruning.  The  tendency  to  overbear  is  so  strong,  that  new 
wood  is  not  produced  in  abundance,  and  the  tree  becomes  dwarf- 
like.  Systematic  thinning  of  the  fruit  is  necessary  to  control 
this,  as  it  will  not  do  to  leave  the  thinning  to  natural  causes,  and 
depend  upon  the  tree  to  throw  off  all  the  fruit  that  it  can  not 
"well  take  care  of.  The  weakened  condition  from  overbearing: 


8 

results  in  a  sickly  tree  which  readily  becomes  an  easy  prey  to 
diseases  and  insects,  and  it  requires  a  careful  observer  to  train 
his  tree  and  thin  the  fruit  to  the  proper  amount. 

VARIETIES. 

There  has  always  been  a  great  deal  of  confusion  concerning 
the  names  of  the  Japanese  persimmons,  and  it  may  be  that  some 
of  these  listed  in  this  bulletin  may  be  known  under  other  names. 
•Along  with  the  varieties  first  obtained  at  the  Station,  was  one 
known  as  Among.  This  is  not  listed  in  the  catalogues  now,  the 
Tsuru  bearing  the  same  description  that  fits  the  Among  that 
was  sent  to  us. 

This  confusion  of  names  is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  however, 
as  the  Japanese  names  are  not  easy  to  remember,  spell  or  pro- 
nounce, and  a  great  deal  of  trouble  might  have  been  saved  by 
giving  an  American  name. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  varieties  that  have  been  grown 
at  the  Station : 

COSTATA.    (FIG  2.) 

This  is  a  fruit  of  medium  size,  slightly  pointed,  diameter 
varying  from  two  to  three  inches,  color  of  skin  a  light  orange 
yellow,  flesh  also  of  light  color.  It  is  seedless  (Fig.  3),  strongly 
astringent  until  fully  ripened,  and  keeps  late.  The  tree  is  a 
good  grower,  prolific  bearer,  and  makes  a  fine  appearance  in 
full  fruit.  Season,  October  lOth-November  10th  . 

HACHIYA. 

This  variety  is  very  large  and  when  in  full  fruit  makes  a 
striking  appearance.  Fruit  is  a  reddish  yellow,  fine  specimen* 
measuring  four  inches  in  diameter  and  oblong;  flesh,  deep  yel- 
low, with  occasional  seeds.  Also  astringent  until  it  softens. 
Season,  September  20th-November  20th. 

HYAKUME.    (FIG  4.) 

The  Hyakume  is  also  one  of  the  largest  of  the  Japanese  per- 
simmons. The  tree  is  very  prolific  and  shapely.  Fruit  approxi- 
mately three  inches  in  diameter  and  somewhat  conical.  Color  of 
skin,  light  reddish  yellow;  flesh  quite  dark  (Fig.  3)  and  seed- 


i  - 


FIGURE   3. 


10 


'*A 


COSTATA.      (FIG.  2.) 

less.  It  loses  its  astringency  early  and  has  a  good  flavor.  Some 
specimens  may  be  pealed  and  eaten  before  softening.  Season, 
October  15th-November  loth.  A  very  desirable  variety. 

MYOTAN.    (FIG.  5.) 

This  variety  is  not  a  strong  grower,  but  is  usually  quite 
prolific.  Fruit  is  nearly  round  and  runs  about  two  inches  in 
diameter.  Color  is  dark  reddish  yellow,  and  flesh  is  dark  red 
with  brown  streaks,  has  numerous  seeds,  and  is  edible  when 
hard.  Has  no  astringency  noticeable.  May  be  pealed  and  eaten 
the  same  as  an  apple  and  has  a  pleasant  flavor.  Season,  Septem 
ber  Ist-Oetober  15th. 

NERO  ZAML 

This  variety  was  one  of  the  first  planted  in  the  grounds  and 


11 


HYAKUME.     (FIG.  4.; 

proved  to  be  a  weak  grower.  Fruit  is  small,  nearly  round,  dark 
red  in  color,  dark  flesh  and  many  seeds.  It  resembles  the 
Myotan  in  size  and  appearance.  Not  prolific  and  not  desirable. 
Season  September  20th-0ctober  20th. 

OKAME.    (FIG  6.) 

This  is  a  ld,rge  tomato-shaped  persimmon,  usually  three  to 
three  and  one-quarter  inches  in  diameter,  flat  and  with  quarters 
well  marked.  Tree  a  vigorous  grower  and  very  prolific.  Color 
of  fruit  is  a  dark  orange  red,  and  flesh  is  deep  yellow,  with  only 
now  and  then  a  seed  (Fig.  3).  Astringent  until  ripe.  Season, 
September  20th  to  November  1st. 

TAPER,  NO.  23. 
This  is  a  seedling  grown  and  sent  out  by  G.  L.  Taber,  Glen 


12 


MYOTAN.      (FIG.   5.)  «.•* " 

St.  Mary,  Florida.    Color,  dark  red ;  flesh,  dark,  full  of  seeds  and 
prolific.    Not  astringent.  Season,  September  15th  to  October  15th. 

TABER.    No.  129. 

This  is  another  seedling  grown  by  G.  L.  Taber  of  Glen  St. 
Mary,  Florida.  It  is  round  and  runs  from  two  to  three  inches 
ir.  diameter.  It  is  dark  in  color,  and  the  flesh  is  also  dark  and 
is  edible  when  hard  and  immature.  Season,  September  15th  to 
November  1st. 

TANENASHI.   (FIG.  7.) 

This  is  one  of  the  large  persimmons,  nearly  round,  with  a 
very  small  pointed  tip,  and  about  three  and  one-half  inches  in 
diameter.  Color  is  a  yellow  red,  bright  and  attractive;  flesh 
also  light  in  color,  and  seedless. 


13 


OKAME.      (FIG.  6.) 
TRIUMPH.   (FIG.  8.) 

This  variety  came  to  the  Station  under  the  name  of  a 
-seedling  of  the  honey  persimmon,  and  was  identified  as  the 
Triumph  by  Prof.  H.  Harold  Hume  of  Glen  St.  Mary,  Florida. 
It  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous  and  healthy  trees  among  the  Jap- 
anese varieties,  is  upright  in  growth  and  has  beautiful  large 
myrtle  green  leaves,  free  from  disease.  The  fruit  is  rather 
small  and  flat,  about  two  and  one-half  inches  in  diameter  and 
of  a  beautiful  bright  yellow  red  color.  Flesh  is  yellow  and  has 
seeds.  (Fig.  3.)  Slightly  astringent  until  softening.  The  most 
delicious  of  the  Japanese  varieties.  Season,  September  20th  to 
November  20th. 


TANE    NASHI.       (FIG     7. 


TRIUMPH.      (FIG.  8) 


15 


TSURU.     (FIG.  9) 

TSURU.     (FIG.  9.) 

While  there  may  be  some  doubt  that  the  figure  shown  under 
this  name  is  the  true  Tsuru,  but  is  believed  that  it  is.  It  came  to 
the  Station  as  Among,  but  answers  to  the  description  given  in 
the  catalogues  as  Tsuru.  It  is  long  fruited,  fully  an  inch  longer 
than  its  diameter,  which  is  about  two  and  one-half  inches.  In 
color  it  is  yellow  red,  and  its  flesh  is  on  the  same  order.  Most 
of  the  specimens  are  seedless.  Very  prolific.  Season,  October 
1st  to  November  1st.  (Fig.  3.) 

YEDDO-ICHI.     (FIG.   10.) 

At  the  Station,  this  variety  is  medium  in  size  and  nearly 
round.  It  runs  about  two  and  one-half  inches  in  diameter 
Color  of  skin  dark,  and  flesh  dark  and  brownish,  and  contains 
seeds.  Tt  is  edible  when  hard,  and  has  a  very  pleasant  flavor. 


16 


YEDDO-ICHI.     (FIG.  10.) 

The  tree  is  a  good  grower  and  is  very  prolific. 
Z1NGI.     (FIG.  11.) 

This  is  a  very  heavy  bearing  vigorous  tree,  and  the  fruit  is 
nearly  round,  running  about  two  and  one-half  inches  in  diam- 
eter. Color,  medium  red,  and  flesh  darker  with  seeds.  (Fig.  3.) 
Like  the  Myotan,  it  is  edible  when  hard.  Season,  September  1st 
to  October  1st. 

KORA  KAMI. 

The  variety  at  the  station  under  this  name  resembles  the 
Zingi  in  many  particulars,  and  possibly  may  be  the  same.  The 
tree  is  not  as  vigorous  or  prolific  as  the  Zingi.  It  was  a  weak 
grower  and  died  after  bearing  three  years. 

SEEDLING.     (FIG.  12.) 

This  variety  was  sent  to  us  as  a  seedling.  It  is  a  very  vig- 
orous grower,  with  fruit  nearly  round,  running  from  two  and 
one-half  to  three  inches  in  diameter,  bright  in  color  and  flesh 
light,  seedy  and  astringent.  Season,  September  10th  to  October 
20th.  Very  prolific. 

The  persimmons  shown  in  Figure  13  are  various  types  of 


17 


ZINGI.     (FIG.  11.) 

native  persimmons,  and  are  presented  only  to  form  a  comparison^ 
of  the  native  and  foreign  varieties. 

In  Figure  1  are  shown  specimens  of  Diospyros  Lotus,  the- 
Chinese  persimmon  and  the  Honey,  a  variety  of  our  American, 
species. 

THE  FRUIT  AND  ITS  TREATMENT. 

As  some  of  the  varieties  are  edible  before  becoming  soft, 
that  is,  they  are  not  astringent,  it  follows  that  in  the  event  of 
a  Northern  market,  these  varieties  would  be  the  most  desirable 
to  grow.  To  one  not  acquainted  with  persimmons,  a  single  ef- 
fort to  eat  an  unripe  specimen  would  be  sufficient  to  prevent 


18 


any  expansion  of  the  market.  It  has  bien  found  that  in  Japan 
the  astringent  varieties  are  subjected  to  a  method  of  treat- 
ment, by  which  the  hard  unripened  fruit  is  'confined  in  sealed 
recepticles  for  certain  periods  of  time,  after  which  upon  re- 
moval, it  is  found  that  their  astringency  has  disappeared.  It 
has  been  found,  too,  that  subjecting  the  astringent  fruit  to  the 
fumes  of  certain  chemicals  will  accomplish  the  same  purpose. 


SEEDLING.      (FIG.   12.) 


and  while  very  small  experiments  were  carried  out  at  the  Sta- 
tion this  season,  sufficient  information  was  not  obtained  to  war- 
rant a  statement  at  this  time.  It  is  sufficient  to  say  that  the  treat- 
ment of  the  astringent  fruit  in  order  to  correct  the  astringency 
is  a  problem  that  will  be  successfully  solved  in  the  very  near  fu- 
ture, thus  removing  the  greatest  hindrance  to  the  growing  of 


19 


-Japanese  persimmons,  and  the  further  expansion  of  an  excellent 
market  for  them. 

As  a  fruit  they  are  rich  in  sugar,  the  different  chemical 
analyses  showing  an  average  of  about  16  per  cent  for  the  culti- 
vated varieties.  While  this  is  slightly  less  than  the  percentage 
of  sugar  in  our  native  varieties,  it  is  much  greater  than  the 


FIGURE   13. 

amount  found  in  apples,  which  average  less  than  8  per  cent.    An 
alcoholic  beverage  is  made  from  them  in  Japan. 

They  ripen  before  frost  in  Louisiana — in  fact,  a  frost  is  not 
necessary  for  their  maturity,  contrary  to  the  prevailing  belief. 

ENEMIES  AND  DISEASES. 
There  are  comparatively  few  enemies  and  diseases  of  a  very 


20 


serious  nature,  that  attack  the  Japanese  persimmons.  There  are- 
several  leaf  diseases,  which  nearly  defoliate  the  trees  very  late  in 
the  season.  As  this  occurs  really  about  the  time  the  leaves  be- 
gin to  fall,  little  damage  is  done.  Some  varieties  are  much  more 


FIGURE   1. 


resistant  to  fungous  diseases  than  others.  The  seasons  also  varyr 
and  some  years  the  diseased  leaves  are  hardly  noticeable.  In  the 
event  of  serious  trouble  from  leaf-destroying  diseases,  there  is- 
always  a  remedy  at  hand  in  the  Bordeaux  Mixture,  which  is  uni- 
versally used  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  or  checking  them. 


21 

Among  the  insect  pests,  the  Twig  Girdler  (Oncideres  cingu- 
iatus)  is  the  one  most  frequently  heard  from.  The  female  beetle, 
which  is  about  one-half  an  inch  long,  and  of  a  dark  gray-brown 
color,  deposits  her  eggs  near  the  end  of  the  young  twigs,  and 
girdles  the  twig  below  them. 

In  due  time  the  twig  dies,  breaks  off  and  the  young  hatch 
and  come  out.  A  few  complaints  have  been  made  concerning  the 
girdler.  The  remedy  is  to  gather  the  twigs  and  burn  them,  not 
-a  very  difficult  task  to  do,  and  if  the  fallen  leaves  and  broken 
twigs  be  raked  and  burned  from  each  tree,  not  only  will  the 
Twig  Girdler  be  under  control,  but  the  leaf  diseases  also  will  be 
held  in  check. 

By  far  the  most  serious  pest  at  the  Station  has  been  the 
mocking  bird.  At  the  time  the  Japanese  persimmons  are  begin- 
ning to  mature,  there  is  a  scarcity  of  food  for  them  and  they 
injure  a  great  many. 

Some  years  this  becomes  a  serious  question.  To  cover  the 
trees  with  gauze  is  out  of  the  question.  No  one  would  think  of 
shooting  the  mocking  bird  as  a  pest,  outside  of  the  fa'ct  that  it 
has  legal  protection.  The  remedy  will  come  with  the  future  treat- 
ment of  the  persimmon  for  market.  Gathered  while  still  hard, 
treated  for  astringency  and  put  on  the  market  while  still  solid 
but  edible,  the  fruit  will  be  cared  for  and  put  before  the  consumer 
before  the  mocking  birds  make  any  serious  attacks  upon  them. 
While  there  are  other  birds  which  are  troublesome,  the  one  men- 
tioned is  the  chief  offender. 

MARKET. 

The  Northern  people  love  tropical  and  semi-tropical  fruits. 
Our  own  people  love  a  variety  of  fruits.  The  first  Japanese  per- 
simmons put  upon  the  markets  in  the  South  and  the  North  were 
received  with  caution,  yet  when  well  ripened,  were  easily  dis- 
posed of.  The  present  sources  of  supply  of  these  fruits  are  Cali- 
fornia, Florida  and  Louisiana,  with  California  leading.  While 
in  our  Southern  markets  they  are  found  in  bulk,  the  Californians 
pack  and  ship  in  neat  crates.  The  California  crate  is  similar  to 
an  egg  crate,  with  'capacity  for  50,  36  or  32,  according  to  the 
•size  of  the  fruit.  The  fruit  is  unwrapped  and  through  the  slats 
of  the  crates  it  makes  a  very  good  appearance,  and  the  prospec- 


22 

tive  buyer  can  readily  see  the  size,  color  and  quality  without 
breaking  the  package.  These  crates  of  persimmons  sold  in  the 
Chicago  market  during  November,  1907,  for  $1.10  to  $1.30  per 
crate.  This  means  a  very  good  profit  to  the  grower,  and  there 
is  no  reason  to  believe  but  that  good  Japanese  persimmons, 
packed  nicely,  will  continue  to  find  a  good  market  for  some  time 
to  come.  In  bulk  they  bring  about  $1.00  to  $2.00  per  bushel,  and 
by  the  dozen  30  to  80  cents. 

USES. 

While  we  are  not  fully  acquainted  with  all  the  uses  to  which' 
Japanese  persimmons  are  put  in  their  native  'country,  it  is  quite 
probable  that  their  use  is  as  varied  as  is  the  case  with  apples 
in  the  Northern  States.  Its  general  use  at  the  present  time,  how- 
ever, is  as  a  fresh  fruit.  When  fully  ripe,  it  may  readily  be 
eaten  out  of  hand,  but  as  some  varieties  are  quite  soft,  the  use  of  a 
spoon  will  facilitate  matters  greatly.  Some  prefer  them  served 
with  cream.  The  non-astringent  varieties  may  be  pealed  and 
eaten  as  a  desert  fruit,  or  sliced  and  served  as  a  salad.  Their 
characteristic  flavor,  varying  in  the  different  varieties,  is  found 
to  be  delicious  by  a  great  majority  of  people.  Methods  of  pre- 
serving or  evaporation  have  not  been  ascertained,  but  the  latter 
is  a  common  practice  in  Japan. 

CONCLUSIONS. 

1.  Japanese  persimmons  may  be  grown  with  the  greatest 
success  in  all  sections  of  Louisiana. 

2.  They  are  easily  grown,  easily  marketed  and  stand  trans- 
portation  well. 

3.  A  ready  market  awaits  them. 

4.  They  are  delicious  as  a  salad  or  desert  fruit. 

5.  A  number  of  the  varieties  are  not  astringent,  therefor* 
may  be  eaten  while  still  hard. 

0.     Astringent  varieties  will  soon  be  treated  so  as  to  correct 
this  undesirable  quality. 

7.  They  have  comparatively  few  diseases  and  enemies. 

8.  They  are  valuable  as  an  ornamental  tree  in  the  home 
yard. 


23 


* 


*r      *    •    .  £-'"!  *i    -  vVjp^:   '  JSkSTWISB 


JAPANESE   PERSIMMON   TREE    IN    FRUIT. 

233189 

DIVISION  OF   SUBIROPICAL  MORTlCULTURt 
COLLEGE  OF  AGRICULTURE 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  AT  LOS  ANGELES 
THE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 

This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below 


MOV 


PEC'D  C 

S 


FEB2813&8 


H 


Form  L-9-15m-3,'34 


L  LIB. 
8 
\968 


jJFORNIA 

AT 


Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 

Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
MT.  JAN  21, 1908 


SP 
37 


IRAF 


A    001  095  4( 


